BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH’S novel, first published in 2001, has been adapted for the stage by another poet and playwright, Lemn Sissay. The result is fast-paced, funny, moving, dramatic 80-minutes of theatre.
Teenager Alem (Fisayo Akinade, excellent) is left at a Berkshire B&B by his father with a note explaining that his parents want to protect him from the violent civil war back in their homeland. They want him to find a new, better and safer life in this country.
This refugee boy has to cope with social services and a strange way of life, but he’s helped by three people who become friends and aid his fight for survival in a new land.
The staging is economic but effective. The transitory nature of life is depicted in the set by Emma Williams – a series of suitcases piled up like staircases.
The cast stay on stage throughout, handing props and costumes to each other as they’re needed. Gail McIntyre’s direction is unflashy but sincere with moments of wonder – Alem seeing snow for the first time – as the refugee boy seeks a new home.
- Until March 30. Box office 0113-2137-700 and online wyp.org.uk
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